Channing Tatum says Ryan Reynolds has his back like no other as he reflects on their enduring friendship

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Channing Tatum shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his friend Ryan Reynolds on July 29, reflecting on the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' actor's unwavering support during challenging times.

The 44-year-old 'Magic Mike' star posted photos of himself with Reynolds, 47, taken at Comic-Con years apart.

Channing Tatum talks about his enduring friendship with Ryan Reynolds

Channing Tatum praised Ryan Reynolds for always having his back, especially now, as the latter's latest film shattered records with the highest-grossing opening for an R-rated movie.

He reflected on their enduring friendship, noting that the photos were taken nearly a decade apart. The older snapshot captured the moment when Reynolds unveiled a sneak peek of the first 'Deadpool' film, with Tatum in the audience, witnessing the beginning of his friend's phenomenal journey.

The caption read, "These pictures are almost 10 years apart to the day. I sat in the audience when Reynolds showed his first peek of Deadpool 1 to the world and I think I ran backstage right after and found him and I think I just hugged him and was like holy shit you did it man. It’s perfect."

"I didn’t know him really at all back then. But since then I can say that there is almost no one that has had my back in this industry more than Ryan. I thought I had lost Gambit forever. But he fought for me and Gambit. I will owe him probably forever," he wrote. 

Tatum expressed deep gratitude towards Reynolds, stating that although he didn't know him well initially, Reynolds has since become one of his strongest supporters in the industry.

He acknowledged that he thought he had lost the role of Gambit forever, but Reynolds fought for him and the character, concluding that he will probably owe Reynolds forever for his unwavering support.

Tatum was referencing the 'X-Men' superhero that he was intending to play in a standalone film.

The post continued, "Cause I’m not sure how I could ever do something that would be equal to what this has meant to me," Channing gushed with gratitude after Reynolds helped him achieve one of his cinematic dreams.

"I love ya buddy. Shawn Levy as well. Truly such a brilliant creator on every single level. All things happen for a reason. I’m so grateful to be in this movie. It’s a masterpiece in my opinion. And just pure bad ass joy. I was literally screaming in the theater. LFG!! #deadpoolandwolverine."

Marvel superheroes consolidate under one banner

Reportedly, Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox threw a wrench into the project, 'X-Men'. The deal allowed Disney to consolidate more Marvel superheroes under its banner, including the 'X-Men', but it also meant shelving certain developments.

With Marvel Studios, the home of the 'Avengers', already in Disney's portfolio, the merger brought the 'X-Men' into the fold.

Yet, many of the iconic actors who portrayed these beloved mutants have either retired from their roles or are approaching the end of their potential runs, leaving the future of some characters uncertain.

To highlight his gratitude for finally landing the role of Gambit, Tatum wore a special T-shirt featuring the comic book character in both photos with Reynolds, despite nearly a decade separating them.

The black T-shirt showcased a stylized rectangular depiction of Gambit's face, complete with his signature headgear and a shock of colorful hair. The shirt's text playfully read, "Check your pockets."

In the more recent photo from this year's Comic-Con, both men looked slightly older yet impressively youthful, their enduring friendship and shared passions evident in their smiles.

Tatum's shirt, though the same design, featured Gambit with a new hair color, while Reynolds had traded his chic brown jacket for a light pink button-up short-sleeve shirt.

In response, the 'Deadpool' star took to his Instagram Stories to return the praise, sharing Tatum's photo and expressing his own admiration.

"Imagine having a front row seat to this guy," Reynolds gushed about Channing. "He's not just a once-in-a-generation talent; he's also a genuinely good person."

"I know what it’s like to bring a character to life, and Channing did just that," Reynolds continued. "He brought such a vivid version of Gambit to the screen, as if he was destined for the role."

"Over the years, we've shared two San Diego Comic-Con experiences," he added with a touch of humor. "Two of the best days of my life happened while @channingtatum wore this shirt. Coincidence or conspiracy?" Reynolds playfully concluded, adding a poll for fans to weigh in on whether it was a "coincidence" or a "conspiracy."